2021: The Next Year: Poetic Journey Volume 3

In a period in which narrow mindedness and a refusal to view life from others' perspectives have become the norm, Mel Glenn's poems bring to life a wide diversity of viewpoints. Casting its shadow over these poems and altering how the speakers view their lives is the pandemic. Serious as his subject matter is, Glenn has infused these poems with frequent moments of irony and wit and with a genuine sense that all is not lost. The collection offers the reader a rare opportunity to reflect on modern life in America through a prism rather than a monocle.

Terry Portillo, Author of Border Crossings

The latest volume of Mel Glenn's poignant poetic journal bears witness to the worst of times while offering hope for a better future. His poems read like a sports play-by-play announcer narrating the daily trials and tribulations of life in these most challenging times. His simple yet potent verses capture the heartache of the pandemic, the incredulity of the insurrection and the blind injustice of racial discrimination, all while retaining a wry sense of humor. The standouts include, "Who We Are," which forces Americans to take a hard look in the mirror and "In Defense of Poetry," which calls out those who don't appreciate the artists who inspire us yet also hold us accountable.

Sam Friedman, Journalist, sports fanatic and political junkie

A precious and important time capsule, Mel Glenn's interpretations of the rocky headlines of the first quarter of 2021, gave me insight into his imaginative mind. Using clever analogies and imagery Glenn brings this tumultuous quarter to life with both sadness and humor. From comparing Congress to the NFL playoffs, and describing the mask vs. the no-mask situation as the Continental Divide, to feeling volcanic pressure build as the mass shootings increase, Glenn's poems have us re-experience those times through a fresh perspective. Few authors can articulate a thought or emotion in a way we could never imagine. Mel Glenn can do that in spades.

Toni Cortese, Executive Leadership Coach, former Wall Street executive